Help:CheckUser

CheckUser is an extension that allows the individual using it to look up the IP addresses used by a given account, and which accounts are used by a given IP. The purpose of a CheckUser search is to determine whether multiple IPs or accounts are being abused to spam, vandalize, or disrupt wikias. CheckUser rights are generally reserved for Wikia Staff and the Volunteer Spam Task Force.

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Who has CheckUser rights?

Wikia Staff and VSTF members have global CheckUser rights, meaning they can run an IP check on any wikia. The VSTF uses the tool to clean up spam and vandalism, and Wikia Staff can run CheckUser searches on request (see the next section for guidelines). In a limited number of cases, some local administrators also have been given CheckUser rights. These rights only apply on their wikia, and the rights are only given when Staff believes there is a need based on extreme and excessive vandalism. In most cases, requests for CheckUser rights will be declined.

How can I request an IP check?

All requests for CheckUser searches must be sent to the Community Support Team via Special:Contact. For staff to consider a request, you must:

Be an administrator on the wikia where the IP check is being run.

Have a good reason for the check—curiosity is not enough.

Provide the names of the IPs or accounts that you want checked.

Explain in detail the problem that the accounts or IP addresses are causing.

Wikia allows people to have multiple accounts (as long as they are not disruptive), so IP checks won't be run unless there are specific problems with those accounts. Additionally, specific IP addresses are not given out. These are private user information and so are not shared with admins.

Remember: CheckUser doesn't tell you who is using a keyboard. Matching IPs may be used by more than one person, and one person may be using two IPs. IP data also is not stored indefinitely, and will be removed from our system after a few months. The tool can help understand problems, but may not always give definitive answers.